“I am very sorry to hear about Uncle John. I am also very sorry that our whole family was out of the Country during his Services. We loved him and...Read More »
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3 of 6 | Posted by: Jerry Blanchette - Framingham, MA

“To Tommy:I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. God bless you and keep you in His Hands during this very difficult time.Kerri...Read More »
”
4 of 6 | Posted by: Kerri Egan - Chelmsford, MA

“Michael and I extend our condolences to all the Tomasello family. Mary and John had been our neighbors since 1986 when we moved to the Cedarwood...Read More »
”
6 of 6 | Posted by: Beverly Shea - Waltham, MA

JohnTomasello admired the fact that Lou Gehrig was quoted as saying that he considered himself to be one of the luckiest men alive even when faced and diagnosed with a dreaded disease that would later bear his name. John too felt that he in fact joined the ranks of the being one of the luckiest men alive. He penned a note to family in advance of his death reminding them not to be sad when his time would come to its end. 'Everyone should be as happy as me' he wrote. He reminds them they had a good family and that he and their mother, Mary had an entire life time together and they always had what they needed.

JohnA. TomaselloSr. died peacefully surrounded by his family and in the loving care of the hospice staff on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 in the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford. He was 88.

Born in East Boston on October 29, 1929 he was a son of the late Joseph P. and Alice (Dooley) Tomasello. Upon graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country during the Korean War. He married Belmont native, Mary E. Blanchette in 1953 in Saint Luke's Church in Belmont and shortly thereafter they moved to Waltham where they called home for the remainder of their lives. Mary died December 30, 2017.

At a young age he began working at Suffolk Downs racetrack. He worked there many years and eventually became its maintenance supervisor. His love and passion for horses and racing remained with him all his life and he was able to experience all the premiere events including The Travers Stakes at Saratoga Springs, The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, The Belmont Stakes and many other races during his lifetime. He later worked as a film operator for Polaroid Corporation before retiring in 1992.

He and Mary traveled the country, Canada, Bermuda, Italy, Germany and Austria. Seasonal trips to Ogunquit, Maine where walks along the Marginal Way were always on the itinerary. A lover of Broadway shows he saw any and every show that came to Boston and also supported theater locally in Waltham with shows produced by the Reagle Players. He saw Phantom of the Opera seven times but his most favorite and memorable was when he had his entire family in a row together at the theater for one of its performances. A true and loyal patriot of New England he had the good fortune of cheering on and watching all the New England sports teams win their championships.

John was blessed with the gift of family and reminded them in the same letter he gifted them at his death. He leaves his children, Susan J. Patuto (Carmen) of Acton, JohnA. Tomasello, Jr. (Barbie Asali) of Pembroke Pines, Florida and Thomas E. Tomasello (Consuelo), of Westford; his grandchildren, Christopher Patuto, Thomas Patuto (Emily Kolpa), Brian Patuto (Amelia Thomas), Mark Patuto (Sarah), Justin Hamilton (Davina Burrell), Amber Hamilton (Pat Fuller), Brianna Tomasello, Lauren Blinsinger, Laura Fandino and Nicolas Fandino; his siblings, Joseph 'Dodie' Tomasello (Linda) of Florida and Claire McCabe (John), of Vermont; nine great-grandchildren; his in-laws, Eugene Blanchette (Ann) of South Yarmouth, Bernard Blanchette (Virginia) of Waltham and Ronald Blanchette (Carol) of Burlington and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Mary, he is predeceased by his in-laws, Philip, Paul, Robert and Edmund Blanchette.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, July 13th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Julia's Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.

Memorials in his name may be made to Home Base Program, MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Ste. 540, Boston, MA 02114

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Memories & Candles

John & Mary were good friends of our parents, Thomas and Muriel Canavan. Our parents had many enjoyable times with your parents. Following the death of our father in 2002, your parents were very generous and included our mother in many occasions. May GOD's blessings be upon all of you and may the memories of your parents always bring joy to you.

Posted by: Mark Canavan - Plymouth, MA - Family Friend Aug 19, 2018

So sorry for your loss.

Kathie (O'Connor)Enos

Posted by: Kathie Enos - Wilmington, MA Jul 18, 2018

I am very sorry to hear about Uncle John. I am also very sorry that our whole family was out of the Country during his Services. We loved him and Auntie Mary, and we Love you all.

Jerry

Posted by: Jerry Blanchette - Framingham, MA - Family Jul 17, 2018

To Tommy:

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. God bless you and keep you in His Hands during this very difficult time.

Kerri EganCedarwood

Posted by: Kerri Egan - Chelmsford, MA - Neighbor Jul 06, 2018

To the entire tomasello family. My hearts and prayers are with you. John truly is a gentle soul. A true gentleman.

Michael and I extend our condolences to all the Tomasello family. Mary and John had been our neighbors since 1986 when we moved to the Cedarwood neighborhood. We still miss seeing Mary relaxing on her deck, and will miss seeing John relaxing in their front yard as well.

Michael & Beverly Shea

Posted by: Beverly Shea - Waltham, MA - Neighbor Jul 05, 2018

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